Canon LEGRIA HV40

234 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (127)
price (68)
image quality (57)
portability (51)
design (43)

Negative
viewfinder (4)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 234 reviews of Canon LEGRIA HV40. The average rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the design and image quality. The portability and price are also appreciated. Many are negative about the viewfinder. Views about the finish and durability are different.

usability, price, portability, image quality, design

viewfinder

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon LEGRIA HV40 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 86/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 234 reviews)

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Review Ratings

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Showing 1 - 177 of 184 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (50)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Canon LEGRIA HV40

alaTest has collected and analyzed 25 user reviews of Canon LEGRIA HV40 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 3.9/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers are impressed by the zoom and image quality. The durability and size also get good feedback. There are some less positive opinions about the battery and portability. There are mixed comments on the reliability and usability.

price, size, durability, image quality, zoom

portability, battery

92% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon LEGRIA HV40

alaTest has collected and analyzed 142 user reviews of Canon LEGRIA HV40 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. People are impressed by the design and image quality. The portability and price also get good comments. Many are less positive about the viewfinder, while there are mixed opinions on the finish and durability.

usability, price, portability, image quality, design

viewfinder

90% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Chris Jager (techadvisor.co.uk)

Canon Legria HV40 review

In essence the Canon Legria HV40 is a tweaked version of last year's Canon HV30 with some minor extras thrown in, including native 24p recording and a multipurpose Custom Key on the side of the lens barrel. As product refreshes go, it's pretty nominal...

The Canon Legria HV40 must surely be the HDV format’s last hurrah in the consumer sector - and what a send-off it is! If you’re keen to stick with MiniDV, you won’t find a better camcorder than this.

Oct, 2009

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Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Canon LEGRIA HV40 Camcorder

While many camcorders will be much cheaper than the Canon HV40 but many won't include all of the features that this camcorder includes. Just one of the features that the Canon HV40 includes can transform the quality of your video from standard quality...

May, 2012

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Expert review by : Chris Jager (goodgearguide.com.au)

Canon Legria HV40 HDV camcorder

A feature-packed high-definition camcorder that records to (gasp!) MiniDV tape

Superb 1080i video quality, good low-light performer, plenty of advanced features and controls

Slightly fiddly control scheme, limitations of MiniDV

The Canon Legria HV40 must surely be the HDV format’s last hurrah in the consumer sector -- and what a send-off it is! If you’re keen to stick with MiniDV, you won’t find a better camcorder than this.

Oct, 2009

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Jeremy Stamas (camcorderinfo.com)

Canon Vixia HV40 Camcorder Review

The tape-based HV40 ($999 MSRP) isn't exactly a flashy, cutting-edge camcorder from Canon. It is one of only a few HDV models-from any manufacturer-that's new for 2009, but it represents only a minor upgrade over last year's HV30. These improvements...

Since the HV40 is only a minor upgrade over last year's HV30, it seems that Canon isn't putting too much effort into its tape-based HDV models. The HV40's flash-memory counterparts have more sophisticated designs, better handling, and more useful...

Oct, 2009

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Expert review by : Jeremy Stamas (reviewed.com)

Canon HV40

One of only a few HDV camcorders this year, and a minor upgrade from last year's model

Low noise levels; Decent low light performance

Less sharp than others in its class; Very little manual control

Since the HV40 is only a minor upgrade over last year’s HV30, it seems that Canon isn’t putting too much effort into its tape-based HDV models. The HV40’s flash-memory counterparts have more sophisticated designs, better handling, and more useful...

Oct, 2009

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Consumer review (reevoo.com)

Canon HV40

Superb quality video, tape based HDV camcorders head the field in this and the Canon HV40 is the leader in this price range. Great product .

Short life battery power and a fidelly off and on switch.

May, 2010

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Consumer review (reevoo.com)

Canon HV40

Superb quality video, tape based HDV camcorders head the field in this and the Canon HV40 is the leader in this price ; range. Great product

Short life battery power and a fidelly off and on switch

Apr, 2010

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Consumer review (reevoo.com)

Canon HV40

Excellent HD and SD tape-based HDV camera for low end professional work.

Focus wheel is too small, a ring would be better so that focus transitions are smoother.

Oct, 2009

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Consumer review (reevoo.com)

Canon HV40

Excellent image quality and video resolution Good still image capabilities Low weight Compact size (causes its own issues) Controls easy to use (see below for exception) Good options for manual control

Tape door does not close tightly Viewfinder eypeice is not cushioned or prominant enough Lens protector does not always close on power down Some tape noise DV output covers flimsy Viewer panel is flimsy No neckstrap Video record button not ideally...

Jul, 2009

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Nice Small HD Tape Camera

As the cameras get smaller, they seem much less durable. I'm not having any problems with it, but it seems that snap-on covers and such flap a little. Since the choices for HDV cameras is getting smaller, it's good to see Canon is supporting the...

Smaller than a prosumer high end camera and 1/3rd the price. HDV format works well. Very light and small enough to put in a waist-bag while on vacation. It takes decent still shots as well. Focus is extremely fast on this camera. Not a bad pick-up...

Coming from a prosumer 11+ lb. camera, I can see the differences. In low light, the image gets very blocky. I had trouble importing High-Def into Premier Pro, but DV was fine. Mini-SD memory card? I would have thought a micro-SD card would be what I...

Aug, 2009

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